Chapter 483: Strange Immortal (Strange Immortal)

As time flowed, by the time I came out of the Head of Family’s room.

It was already well past noon.

Considering I hadn’t passed noon when I entered the Head of Family’s room, we must have talked for quite a while.

‘Hmm.’

I glanced at the sky, then surveyed the Poison King’s residence behind me.

‘What a shame.’

The reason I still felt regret despite talking for such a long time was that I hadn’t gained much from my conversation with the Poison King.

If I were to count the benefits, it was that the Poison Lake incident would be passed over as an accident, and the matter of the Poison Pill’s origin and what to do with it.

I also vaguely fabricated a reason for heading to Sichuan and told it to the Poison King.

I combined this with the explanation of how I obtained the Poison Pill.

In the part where I answered this.

‘I had to sell Madam Mi out… but it should be fine, right?’

I recalled Madam Mi telling me to use my strength if needed before I left Hanam, and that’s what I blurted out.

I happened to acquire the Poison Pill from the Hundred Flowers Trading Company.

In the process, I learned about the Heavenly Martial Body Creation Plan, and that it was still being carried out.

This was what I told the Poison King.

‘He didn’t look like he believed me.’

Of course, the Poison King didn’t believe all of it, but the Poison Pill I claimed to have obtained was right there, moreover.

‘The Heavenly Martial Body Creation Plan. That must have been the problem.’

The issue was likely that I knew about a plan that was secretly proceeding only within the Tang family, unknown to the outside world.

If there was one more thing that bothered him,

‘-I understand everything, Young Master Gu.’

‘-Yes.’

‘-…Then why are you going out of your way to intervene in this matter? Is this the will of the Hundred Flowers Trading Company?’

Putting aside obtaining the Poison Pill, why was I trying to personally cut out the rotten parts of the Tang family?

That must have been the biggest question for the Poison King, and it was the part I found most awkward to answer.

If I had obtained the Poison Pill, I could have just ignored it and taken it. There was no need for me to personally step forward upon discovering the Tang family’s dirty secrets.

Despite that.

The reason I was going out of my way.

The Poison King seemed more curious about that than the Poison Pill in front of him.

Which, in a way, was natural.

‘He’s better than most people.’

Finding the reason behind something rather than the treasure right in front of him. Thinking of the righteous sects that rotted and festered because they couldn’t do this simple thing, the Poison King was exactly as I had first judged him.

‘The most Head of Family-like Head of Family.’

A person focused more on being a Head of Family than a martial artist.

However.

‘His vision is strangely narrow.’

If I looked a little closer.

‘Is he deliberately closing his eyes?’

I somehow felt that way.

‘-My reason is simple.’

The answer I gave regarding the Poison King’s question was just one. I had prepared several answers, and could have fabricated a situation to match them, but I didn’t want to utter a lie about this particular thing.

‘-It seemed like Miss Tang was involved in this matter.’

‘-…!’

The Poison King’s expression changed drastically upon hearing about his daughter.

‘-As I said again, I am not seeking your permission, Head of Family. I merely…’

I don’t care about your permission.

It was a declaration that as long as Tang Xiaoye was involved, I would stir up trouble.

‘-I only hope that you, Head of Family, will not be involved in this matter.’

‘-….’

The Poison King’s gaze was unusual. It felt like he was trying to determine if this matter was true or not, and perhaps due to the problem with the Poison Pill right before him, his expression grew even darker.

‘If that’s the case, it would be a disaster if I mentioned knowing the manufacturing method of the Poison Pill.’

Even if not, I intended to keep it. The problem was that the ingredients couldn’t be used immediately, and now wasn’t the time to use it anyway.

Whether he was searching for the truth in my words, or was thrown into confusion by the unexpected event, the Poison King wore an expression filled with various emotions, then said,

‘-…I think I need a moment… to think.’

He said, asking me to leave.

‘Thinking.’

He called it thinking, but it was obvious he intended to find the truth of the matter.

Judging solely by this.

‘Is the Poison King not involved in this?’

This meeting was ultimately to probe whether the Poison King was involved in this matter or not. Although I hadn’t gained certainty about it yet,

‘I think I can assume he’s not involved for now.’

It seemed safe to assume so for the time being. It was fortunate, perhaps.

If the Poison King himself were involved in this matter,

‘I would have had to kill him too.’

I would have had to think about how to kill him separately, but for some reason, it didn’t seem particularly difficult. So it was fortunate. It meant I didn’t have to kill the Poison King.

‘What I need to investigate now is….’

If a Tang family elder was pulling strings behind the scenes, which bastard was doing it, where, and how. I seemed to need to find that out separately.

As I nodded, organizing my thoughts,

[‘Don’t you think it might not be?’]

A familiar voice echoed in my mind. It was Old Man Shin.

‘It seems you can appear now.’

[‘Yes, it also means your inner turmoil has calmed down.’]

‘That’s fortunate.’

Old Man Shin, who had been using all his strength to prevent the vessel from breaking, couldn’t manifest and remained only in my consciousness, but it seemed he could appear again now.

You ask if I don’t think it might not be?

The answer to Old Man Shin’s question was simple.

‘Didn’t Lady Tang Jemoon ask me that? Do I need to doubt it separately?’

[‘…’]

I tried teasingly calling her ‘Lady,’ but Old Man Shin showed no particular reaction. Rather, I could feel a gloomy atmosphere.

‘Did something happen?’

Did something perhaps happen while I was unconscious? The question arose, but I didn’t bother asking. The signs clearly indicated not to.

‘Besides, it would be fortunate if it wasn’t… but no matter how I look at it, it doesn’t seem like it.’

The request Tang Jemoon made to me. It was to cut out the twisted and rotten parts of the Tang family. As soon as I heard this, it was obvious what the rotten part was. And the fact that Tang Xiaoye might be involved.

Seeing this.

I couldn’t help but recall the Poisonous Beauty from my past life. Did she truly experience something in the future Tang family?

If so.

‘I can’t let it happen like that this time.’

I didn’t know what events unfolded, but this time, I had to nip it in the bud to prevent such things from happening. The reason I asked Tang Jemoon if she was okay was precisely because I might have to kill her kin, asking if she was truly alright with that, and even knowing this meaning, Tang Jemoon nodded and gave her permission.

This wasn’t a matter of whether I could do it or not. As Tang Jemoon mentioned Tang Xiaoye herself, it meant it was something I had to do. To do that, it was paramount to properly understand the current situation, Fortunately.

I had the best card in my hand.

“So.”

I spoke, looking behind me. Someone who heard my words trembled and flinched. It was Nahi. Seeing her trembling in fear of me, I said,

“It seems I have a lot to ask you.”

Nahi, upon hearing this, still couldn’t meet my gaze, but the only response she could give was a nod. Because I didn’t allow any other response.

---

Immediately after, my steps led me to the quarters where the children were. In my heart, it was the place I wanted to go first, but it was regrettable that I couldn’t due to the many events that occurred. As I walked along the path with rather quick steps, I heard sounds from afar.

Swish-! Whoosh!

It was the sound of swords being swung. I hadn’t specifically heightened my ki sense. Even without heightening it, I could hear and see enough.

‘Hmm.’

Rather, I was even uncomfortable because I couldn’t adapt to the rapidly heightened ki sense.

[‘Hmph, you say such fortunate things so casually.’]

[‘…What can I do if it’s true?’]

I knew it was something others envied, but I didn’t have time to dwell on such things. I just need to adapt quickly. That was the only thing on my mind right now.

By the time I arrived at the quarters, I could confirm whose sounds were continuously being made. It was Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah.

‘…’

I had occasionally seen the two sparring, but perhaps due to experiencing various events? Watching the two exchanging sword blows while drenched in sweat, various thoughts crossed my mind.

‘What a shame.’

The strongest emotion was regret. Whether it was the Little Sword Saint back then, or the Demonic Sword Marquis back then. If we hadn’t parted so suddenly, I would have liked to have had a little more conversation.

Is this lingering attachment?

It’s probably lingering attachment. Especially thinking of Namgung Bi-ah made my heart ache.

‘At the end… I couldn’t say it.’

There was something I couldn’t say because she was swept away and disappeared. That weighed on my mind, causing considerable heartache. Moreover.

My gaze shifted towards Wi Seol-ah.

‘Her color has become lighter.’

Her hair, which had a strong brownish hue, was getting lighter, approaching blonde. At this rate… within two to three years at the latest, it would turn into brilliant blonde hair. I slowly observed Wi Seol-ah’s condition. Sweat poured down, sticking her hair to her skin. Even while breathing raggedly as if exhausted, her eyes were fixed on the tip of Namgung Bi-ah’s sword. Perhaps due to stamina issues, her arm trembled, but the tremor disappeared when she swung her sword. She continuously swung her sword in that state. Her sword was filled with earnestness.

What was this earnestness for? I couldn’t know that much. Moreover, I felt a strange aura while looking at Wi Seol-ah, sensing something was amiss.

‘I’m going crazy.’

Every time I see her, someone with black hair flashes through my mind along with the Divine Sword.

Heavenly Demon.

I was unconsciously thinking of the Heavenly Demon.

‘Seriously, what the hell.’

This must all be because of what Tang Jemoon told me. Because she spoke so meaningfully, a question about her took root in a corner of my mind.

‘And yet, I think of the Heavenly Demon?’

Am I really crazy? To think of someone I must kill while looking at Wi Seol-ah. If I’m not crazy, there’s no explanation.

“…Hoo.”

Halt-!

With a sigh, as if exhausted, the movements of the two stopped.

“Oh! Young Master?”

Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah confirmed it was me and immediately approached. Seeing that, I smiled awkwardly and said,

“It’s been a while.”

“What? We saw you yesterday.”

“Ah.”

Was that so?

Right, I think that was it. We met the day before heading to the lake. From my perspective, several days had passed, so it just felt different. Scratching the back of my head due to that subtle time difference,

“Hmm?”

“Huh?”

The two approaching widened their eyes as they looked at me. What’s with that reaction? Do I smell like something?

“What’s wrong?”

“…”

I asked what was wrong, but without any other reaction, they just observed me back and forth. Then, Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah made eye contact.

“…Something…”

“Yeah…”

What is it? What is it that only you two can communicate about? Meeting after a long time and having them act like this made me quite disappointed.

“Hey… what are you doing right now…”

“Ah, so you were here!”

Just as I was about to speak my disappointment, someone suddenly interrupted with a bold voice. There was only one person with such a voice, so I frowned and looked at the owner. The guy who met my eyes covered his mouth as if surprised and said,

“Ooh… that look of contempt… it’s quite fierce…?”

“Do you want to die…?”

“Of course, I want to live. Who wants to die?”

The one who slipped away like a slippery snake was, naturally, Woo Hyuk.

“Huh?”

Woo Hyuk, who had been wearing a wide smile, paused for a moment. Like Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah, he started observing me back and forth. What is it, really? Do I really smell something strange?

“Something’s changed?”

At Woo Hyuk’s casual remark, I involuntarily flinched. No way, did he notice?

‘That’s impossible….’

Even I could see that the body transformed using Qi Body Transmutation showed no signs compared to before. Woo Hyuk noticed that?

As I stared at Woo Hyuk, perhaps slightly flustered without realizing it, he slightly shook his head and said,

“Did your height increase a bit? Haha, that’s impossible, right?”

“…”

Seeing this guy again after so long, I felt like I wanted to hit him even more.

…Should I hit him just a little…?

“Oops….”

Just as I decided that and raised my hand, the guy suddenly moved and hid behind Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah.

That bastard?

“Hey, aren’t you coming out?”

“If I come out, you’ll hit me.”

“If you don’t come out, it won’t end with just hitting.”

“You’re not saying you won’t hit me even if I die, are you?”

I was thinking of folding him into a star shape. Perhaps sensing my intention, Woo Hyuk urgently looked at the two and said,

“Sisters-in-law, please save me… This guy says he’ll kill me.”

At Woo Hyuk’s words, Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah’s ears perked up. This guy is hopeless.

“You’re really dead….”

As I raised my right arm to grab Woo Hyuk,

Swoosh.

Namgung Bi-ah suddenly extended her palm towards me and said,

“…Stop.”

“…?”

“Violence is bad.”

At Namgung Bi-ah’s sudden words, I involuntarily wore a dumbfounded expression. Whose side is she on right now? It wasn’t just Namgung Bi-ah who was dumbfounded.

“That’s… right. Violence is bad, Young Master.”

“You too…?”

I was shocked to see those who betrayed me after I came to see them after so long. What is this situation? Amidst the confusion where I couldn’t grasp what was happening, my resentment naturally turned towards Woo Hyuk.

‘-Ah, crap.’

Woo Hyuk seemed to feel that emotion too, wearing a look of realization.

“If this goes wrong, I might really die? Haha!”

Sensing the killing intent, Woo Hyuk slowly edged away. Should I catch him now? Should I fold him into a crescent moon shape? Yes, let’s fold him. A crane shape would be nice too.

“Wait… wait!”

“Let’s talk excuses after you’re folded.”

“Fold what? Do you think I’m paper!?”

“You’re pretty much the same.”

“Not even a bit!”

Just as I grabbed Woo Hyuk by the collar, intending to fold him this way and that, the guy shouted urgently,

“I got a letter from my teacher!”

Halt.

At Woo Hyuk’s shout, I managed to stop myself.

‘If it’s this guy’s teacher….’

It must be referring to the Shaman Strange Hermit, who supposedly possesses the Brain of Thunder.

“From your teacher?”

“Yeah, he said to come today.”

“But.”

“What ‘but’? You said you wanted to go together. I came all this way for that, and now you’re trying to kill someone out of the blue?”

Ah.

Woo Hyuk’s words brought me back to my senses. Right. In a previous conversation with Woo Hyuk, I distinctly remembered him saying we should go together when visiting the Shaman Strange Hermit. Recalling that, I let go of his collar.

Then, Old Man Shin spoke to me.

[‘The Shaman Strange Hermit, you mean the fellow who possesses the Brain of Thunder?’]

‘Yes.’

The Shaman Strange Hermit was the current owner of the Brain of Thunder and one of the famous eccentrics in the Central Plains. It was a mystery why he possessed the Brain of Thunder, and why the Namgung family didn’t bother trying to reclaim it,

Glancing.

I slightly turned my eyes to look at Namgung Bi-ah.

‘Hmm.’

Whatever the case, I had to meet him. Because I intended to hand the Brain of Thunder over to Namgung Bi-ah. And coincidentally, I also had business with the Brain of Thunder itself. Thinking that far, I stood up.

“Should we leave now?”

“…”

Seeing me lighten the mood, Woo Hyuk wore an incredulous expression, but I didn’t bother finding fault. Because I expected to get hit if I did. Woo Hyuk looked at me, brushing off his clothes, and said,

“The distance is about an hour’s run.”

“Doesn’t take long. Let’s go.”

“…Ah, before that…”

As I was about to move, Woo Hyuk grabbed my shoulder with a somewhat worried air.

“I really have a request.”

“Hmm?”

A request. It was a rare word coming from Woo Hyuk. I looked at him, wondering what he was going to say, but the words that came out of him immediately made me frown.

“…You shouldn’t fight or try to bite me, okay?”

“…”

I immediately bit Woo Hyuk.